Methods and systems for detecting prohibited objects in a patient room

ABSTRACT

A prohibited object detection system detects prohibited objects in a patient room. An image of an object detected in a room of a patient is initially collected. The system identifies reference points on the object, for example, points along the contours of the object. The system may compare the reference points to reference points of images associated with prohibited objects. The system then determines, based on the comparison, if the object is a prohibited object. One or more designated recipients may be alerted if the object is a prohibited object. The system may also register the object in a database of prohibited objects.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/395,250 filed Dec. 30, 2016, and titled “Methods and Systems for Detecting Prohibited Objects in a Patient Room”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/273,735, entitled “Methods and Systems for Detecting Stroke Symptoms,” filed Dec. 31, 2015, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Medical facilities, such as hospitals, face many challenges in addition to simply caring for patients. For example, securing patients and equipment (e.g., medical devices) consumes many resources and current methods lack effectiveness. In addition to requiring personnel to physically monitor locations within the facility, visitor logs and visitor badges, and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology are often utilized to control access to certain locations within the facility. However, each of these require subjective decision-making and are prone to error by the personnel monitoring the locations or assisting visitors signing a visitor log and issuing visitor badges accordingly. Further, none of these methods necessarily prevent an authorized visitor from breaching areas of the facility where the authorized visitor is not authorized. For example, a visitor may be authorized to visit a particular patient but, based on some condition of the patient, may not have close contact with the patient. In contrast, a caregiver of the same patient may need to have close contact with the patient. Additionally, in some situations, an authorized visitor may unwittingly provide contraband (e.g., some thing or some object a particular patient is not allowed) to a patient that the current methods are unable to detect. Finally, medical devices are constantly being shuffled between patients and locations within a facility. Tracking the locations of these devices can be extremely difficult. Accordingly, overall security for patients and equipment suffers and the many resources currently being utilized are wasted.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This brief summary is provided as a general overview of the more detailed disclosure which follows. It is not intended to identify key or essential elements of the disclosure, or to define the claim terms in isolation from the remainder of the disclosure, including the drawings.

This disclosure generally relates to methods and systems for detecting prohibited objects in a patient room. Generally, and without limitation, the method involves collecting an image of an object detected in a room of a patient. The system identifies reference points on the object, for example, points along the contours of the object. The system may compare the reference points to reference points of images associated with prohibited objects. The system then determines, based on the comparison, if the object is a prohibited object. One or more designated recipients may be alerted if the object is a prohibited object. The system may also register the object in a database of prohibited objects.

In some aspects, this disclosure relates to a method for detecting a prohibited object in a patient room. The method comprises: receiving from a motion sensor an image of an object detected in a room of a patient; determining the object is a prohibited object; determining the prohibited object is in proximity to the patient; and communicating an image of the prohibited object to a caregiver. In some aspects, a text message, email, or audible, visible, or sensory alert (e.g., vibration) may also be provided to the caregiver.

In some aspects, this disclosure relates to a system for detecting a prohibited object in a patient room. The system comprises: one or more motion sensors located to provide the one or more motion sensors with a view of an object detected in a room of a patient, the motion sensors configured to collect a series of images of the room of the patient; a computerized monitoring system communicatively coupled to the one or more motion sensors, the computerized monitoring system configured to determine if the object is a prohibited object and if the prohibited object is in proximity to the patient; and a computerized communication system communicatively coupled to the computerized monitoring system, the computerized communication system configured to send an alert to one or more designated recipients if the prohibited object is determined to be in proximity to the patient.

The prohibited object detection system may further comprise a central video monitoring system. The central video monitoring system may be communicatively coupled to the computerized communication system. The central video monitoring system may be configured to display an image of the object. The central video monitoring system may comprise a primary display. The central video monitoring system may comprise an alert display. The alert display may be a dedicated portion of the primary display. The alert display may be a separate display or series of displays from the primary display. If the computerized patient monitoring system detects a prohibited object, the central communication system may be configured to send an alert to the central video monitoring system. The central video monitoring system may be configured to move the display of the image of the prohibited object from the primary display to the alert display upon receipt of an alert.

In some aspects this disclosure relates to computer-readable storage media having embodied thereon computer-executable instructions. When executed by one or more computer processors the instructions may cause the processors to: receive from a motion sensor a series of two or more images of an object detected in a room of a patient; determine a plurality of reference points related to features of the object; comparing the plurality of reference points to a database comprising prohibited objects that include a plurality of reference points related to features of the prohibited objects; and based on the comparing, determine the object is a prohibited object.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The description references the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1-4 are exemplary flowcharts for prohibited object detection systems, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 5-17 are exemplary displays for prohibited object detection systems, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted in the Background, medical facilities, such as hospitals, face many challenges in addition to simply caring for patients. For example, securing patients and equipment (e.g., medical devices) consumes many resources and current methods lack effectiveness. In addition to requiring personnel to physically monitor locations within the facility, visitor logs and visitor badges, and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology are often utilized to control access to certain locations within the facility. However, each of these require subjective decision-making and are prone to error by the personnel monitoring the locations or assisting visitors signing a visitor log and issuing visitor badges accordingly. Further, none of these methods necessarily prevent an authorized visitor from breaching areas of the facility where the authorized visitor is not authorized. For example, a visitor may be authorized to visit a particular patient but is not authorized to visit another patient or particular areas of the facility. Additionally, in some situations, an authorized visitor may unwittingly provide contraband (e.g., some thing or some object a particular patient is not allowed to possess or be near) to a patient that the current methods are unable to detect. Finally, medical devices are constantly being shuffled between patients and locations within a facility. Tracking the locations of these devices can be extremely difficult. Accordingly, overall security for patients and equipment suffers and the many resources currently being utilized are wasted.

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

As shown in FIG. 1, a system for detecting prohibited objects 100 may include one or more 3D motion sensors 104. Although described as 3D motion sensors, it is contemplated that aspects of the present invention may be accomplished using 2D motion sensors rather than 3D motion sensors. A 3D motion sensor is an electronic device that contains one or more cameras capable of identifying individual objects, people and motion. The 3D motion sensor may further contain one or more microphones to detect audio. The cameras can utilize technologies including but not limited to color RGB, CMOS sensors, lasers, infrared projectors and RF-modulated light. The 3D motion sensor may have one or more integrated microprocessors and/or image sensors to detect and process information both transmitted from and received by the various cameras. Exemplary 3D motion sensors include the Microsoft® Kinect® Camera, the Sony® PlayStation® Camera, and the Intel® RealSense™ Camera, each of which happens to include microphones, although sound capture is not essential to the practice of the disclosure. A user may be able to configure alerts based on data that is received from the 3D motion sensor 104 and interpreted by the computerized patient monitoring system 106. For example, a user can configure the computerized patient monitoring system 106 to provide alerts based on data the computerized patient monitoring system 106 has interpreted for setting zones in a patient's room, comparing data from multiple systems (RTLS or facial recognition) to determine authorized visitors, a patient crossing a trip wire, falling on the ground, or entering or exiting a safety zone.

As used herein, “a sensor” and “sensors” are used interchangeably in the singular and plural unless expressly described as a singular sensor or an array of sensors. A singular sensor may be used, or a sensor may comprise two or more cameras integrated into a single physical unit. Alternately, two or more physically distinct sensors may be used, or two or more physically distinct arrays of sensors may be used.

A “prohibited object” may be any object in the room of a patient being monitored that is not allowed to be in close proximity to the patient. A prohibited object any object in the room of a patient being monitored that is not allowed to be in a patient room, an area of a healthcare facility, or anywhere within the healthcare facility.

As shown in FIG. 1, prohibited object system 100 may be utilized to register an object in the room of a patient. For example, 3D motion sensor 104 may detect an object 102 (e.g., medication, food, beverage, drug paraphernalia, tobacco products, and the like) in the room of the patient. Features of the object may be analyzed by computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 106 and stored in database 110. In some embodiments, the computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 106 may identify the object as well as descriptive information that can be added to images of the object. For example, the name of the object, category of the object, types of patients the object is prohibited for (e.g., for food and drink prohibitions), or any other parameters the may be used to configure alerts based on the specific object or category of object. If the object has already been registered in database 110, as shown at step 108, no further action is taken. If the object is not already registered in database 110, as shown at step 108, an image of the object may be stored in database 110 along with the descriptive information indicating whether the object is allowed or prohibited and establishing any patient identification zone requirements for that person.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a 3D motion sensor 204 may be co-located with a patient 202 to be monitored. The patient 202 to be monitored may be monitored in a variety of environments, including, without limitation, a hospital, a home, a hospice care facility, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, an outpatient medical care facility, and the like. The 3D motion sensor 204 may be positioned where it is likely to capture images of the face of the patient 202 to be monitored. For example, a 3D motion sensor 204 may be oriented to take images of a bed, chair, or other location where the patient 202 to be monitored may spend a significant amount of time. In some embodiments, the 3D motion sensor 204 may be oriented to take images of persons and/or objects entering and exiting the room of the patient 202 to be monitored. In some embodiments, the 3D motion sensor 204 may be oriented to take images of equipment (e.g., medical devices) that may be located in the room of the patient 202 to be monitored. The 3D motion sensor 204 may be permanently installed, or may be temporarily set up in a room as needed. The patient 202 to be monitored may be under immediate medical care, e.g., in a medical facility under the supervision of a medical professional, or may not be under immediate care, e.g., in a home or other environment, possibly with a caregiver. A caregiver may be a medical professional or paraprofessional, such as an orderly, nurse's aide, nurse, or the like. A caregiver may also be a friend, relative, individual, company, or facility that provides assistance with daily living activities and/or medical care for individuals, such as individuals who are disabled, ill, injured, elderly, or otherwise in need of temporary or long-term assistance. In some instances, the person to be monitored may be self-sufficient and not under the immediate care of any other person or service provider.

The 3D motion sensor 204 may communicate data, such as images of the patient 202 being monitored (e.g., via skeletal tracking or blob recognition) or an object detected in the room, to a computerized patient monitoring system 206. The computerized patient monitoring system 206 is a computer programmed to monitor transmissions of data from the 3D motion sensor 204. The computerized patient monitoring system 206 may be integral to the 3D motion sensor 204 or a distinctly separate apparatus from the 3D motion sensor 204, possibly in a remote location from 3D motion sensor 204 provided that the computerized patient monitoring system 206 can receive data from the 3D motion sensor 204. The computerized patient monitoring system 206 may be located in the monitored person's room, such as a hospital room, bedroom, or living room. The computerized patient monitoring system 206 may be connected to a central video monitoring system 216. The computerized patient monitoring system 206 and central video monitoring system 216 may be remotely located at any physical locations so long as a data connection exists (USB, TCP/IP or comparable) between the computerized patient monitoring system 206, the central communication system 212 (if separate from computerized patient monitoring system 206), the central video monitoring system 216, and the 3D motion sensor(s) 204.

The computerized patient monitoring system 206 may receive data from 3D motion sensor 204 for a monitoring zone (i.e., the patient's room or area to be monitored). At step 208, the computerized patient monitoring system 206 may assess whether a prohibited object is detected in the room. If a prohibited object is not detected in the room, the computerized patient monitoring system 206 may continue to analyze images in the monitoring zone as long as 3D motion sensor 204 continues to transmit data.

If a prohibited object is detected within the monitoring zone at step 208, computerized patient monitoring system 206 may, at step 210, determine whether the prohibited object was in proximity to the patient. Computerized patient monitoring system 206 may establish a patient identification zone within the monitoring zone that, if crossed by a prohibited object establishes that the prohibited object was in proximity to the patient. The patient identification zone may be generated automatically by computerized patient monitoring system 206 by using a configurable distance from the patient's skeleton or face as identified by the cameras. Such a patient identification zone may also be configured by an administrator of the computerized patient monitoring system 206. Patient identification zones can be established using any shapes, including, without limitation, rectangles, squares, circles, ovals, triangles, and irregular shapes.

Computerized patient monitoring system 206 may assign reference points to identify the boundaries of the patient identification zone. For example, reference points may be assigned to a perimeter around the patient. It should be understood that the selection of the reference points may vary with the individual and/or the configuration of the monitoring system 200. Reference points may be configured automatically by the monitoring system 200, may be configured automatically by the monitoring system 200 subject to confirmation and/or modification by a system user, or may be configured manually by a system user.

On detecting the prohibited object came into close proximity to the patient, such as by entering the patient identification zone, central communication system 212 may be configured to send an alert of the prohibited object to one or more designated recipients (e.g., caregiver(s) 220). In some embodiments, central communication system 212 may be configured to send an alert of the prohibited object to one or more designated recipients (e.g., caregiver(s) 220) if the prohibited object is in close proximity to the patient for a configurable duration of time. Central communication system 212 may be an integral part of computerized patient monitoring system 206 and/or may be implemented using separate software, firmware and/or hardware, possibly physically remote from central communication system 212.

When an alert is triggered, the alert may be sent, at least initially, to the patient 202 being monitored, to give the patient 202 being monitored an opportunity to respond before alerting the central video monitoring system 216 and/or caregiver(s) 220. For example, an audible message may be played in the room where patient 202 is being monitored, possibly asking something like, “Please move the prohibited object away from the patient.”

Shown as step 214 in FIG. 2, computerized patient monitoring system 206 can analyze subsequent image data from 3D motion sensor 204 for corrective action such as the prohibited object moving out of the patient identification zone or gestures, such as a head nod, consistent with a yes or no answer to determine if the action will be corrected. If 3D motion sensor 204 is equipped with microphones, computerized patient monitoring system 206 can analyze sound data for recognizable words, such as “okay”, “yes”, “no”, or “help”.

Central video monitoring system 216 may be alerted if no response is received at step 214, or if the response is unintelligible or indicates that the patient 202 being monitored or a person possessing the prohibited object does not intend to comply with the patient identification zone requirements. Alternately, or additionally, central video monitoring system 216 may be alerted with or even before patient 202, so that central video monitoring system 216 can determine whether the prohibited object detected is, in fact, problematic. On receiving an alert, the central video monitoring system 216, or an attendant there, may view live image, video and/or audio feed from the 3D motion sensor 204, and evaluate whether the prohibited object presents a danger to the patient. If patient 202 has been alerted by the central communication system 212, central video monitoring system 216 or an attendant there can use the data from 3D motion sensor 204 to evaluate whether a response from patient 202 indicates that patient 202 or a person possessing the prohibited object is complying with the patient identification zone requirements. Central video monitoring system 216 and/or computerized patient monitoring system 206 may analyze the response from patient 202 and/or a person possessing the prohibited object; however, if the response does not include words or gestures recognizable by the computerized system, an attendant at central video monitoring system 216 may be able to interpret the person's response. If needed, the central video monitoring system 216 and/or the attendant could then approve alert(s) to appropriate caregiver(s) 220 and/or call for emergency assistance (e.g., send a request for security).

One or more caregiver(s) 220 local to patient 202 can be alerted with or even before patient 202 and/or central video monitoring system 216, so that the caregiver(s) 220 can assess what is happening in person. Or, monitored patient 202, caregiver(s) 220 and the central video monitoring system 216 could all be alerted at the same time. The priority and timing of alerts to different individuals or stations can be configured in accordance with the needs and desires of a particular facility, experience with a particular monitored individual or type of patient, or any other criterion of the system owner or user. This is true for initial alerts as well as continuing alerts (e.g., if a prohibited object is detected in and remains in close proximity to the patient 202, and no response from patient 202 or a caregiver 220 is received or observed) or repeated alerts (two or more distinct events where a prohibited object is detected in close proximity to the patient 202). The priority and timing of alerts to different individuals may be different for initial, continuing, and/or repeated alerts.

Data associated with alerts may be logged by computerized patient monitoring system 206 and/or central video monitoring system 216 in a database 218. Data associated with an alert may include, without limitation, the telemetry data from 3D motion sensor 204 that triggered the alert; buffered data preceding the telemetry data that triggered the alert; telemetry data subsequent to the alert; the number and substantive content of an alert; the individual(s) and/or groups to whom an alert was addressed; the response, if any, received or observed following an alert; and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, data associated with the alert may include the video and/or pictures of the prohibited object.

In FIG. 3, a 3D motion sensor 304 may be co-located with a patient 302 to be monitored. The patient 302 to be monitored may be monitored in a variety of environments, including, without limitation, a hospital, a home, a hospice care facility, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, an outpatient medical care facility, and the like. The 3D motion sensor 304 may be positioned where it is likely to capture images of the face of the patient 302 to be monitored. For example, a 3D motion sensor 304 may be oriented to take images of a bed, chair, or other location where the patient 302 to be monitored may spend a significant amount of time. In some embodiments, the 3D motion sensor 304 may be oriented to take images of persons and/or objects entering and exiting the room of the patient 302 to be monitored. In some embodiments, the 3D motion sensor 304 may be oriented to take images of items or equipment (e.g., medical devices) that may be located in the room of the patient 302 to be monitored. The 3D motion sensor 304 may be permanently installed, or may be temporarily set up in a room as needed. The patient 302 to be monitored may be under immediate medical care, e.g., in a medical facility under the supervision of a medical professional, or may not be under immediate care, e.g., in a home or other environment, possibly with a caregiver. A caregiver may be a medical professional or paraprofessional, such as an orderly, nurse's aide, nurse, or the like. A caregiver may also be a friend, relative, individual, company, or facility that provides assistance with daily living activities and/or medical care for individuals, such as individuals who are disabled, ill, injured, elderly, or otherwise in need of temporary or long-term assistance. In some instances, the person to be monitored may be self-sufficient and not under the immediate care of any other person or service provider.

The 3D motion sensor 304 may communicate data, such as images of the patient 302 being monitored or an object detected in the room, to a computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306. The computerized patient monitoring system 306 is a computer programmed to monitor transmissions of data from the 3D motion sensor 304. The computerized patient monitoring system 306 may be integral to the 3D motion sensor 304 or a distinctly separate apparatus from the 3D motion sensor 304, possibly in a remote location from 3D motion sensor 304 provided that the computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 can receive data from the 3D motion sensor 304. The computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may be located in the monitored person's room, such as a hospital room, bedroom, or living room. The computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may be connected to a central video monitoring system 318. The computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 and central video monitoring system 318 may be remotely located at any physical locations so long as a data connection exists (USB, TCP/IP or comparable) between the computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306, the computerized communication system 314 (if separate from computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306), the central video monitoring system 318, and the 3D motion sensor(s) 304.

The computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may receive data from 3D motion sensor 304 for a monitoring zone (i.e., the patient's room or area to be monitored). At step 308, the computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may assess whether a prohibited object is detected in the room. If a prohibited object is not detected in the room, the computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may continue to analyze images in the monitoring zone as long as 3D motion sensor 304 continues to transmit data.

Computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may assign reference points to distinctive features of the object. It should be understood that the selection of the reference points may vary with the individual and/or the configuration of the monitoring system 300. Reference points may be configured automatically by the monitoring system 300, may be configured automatically by the monitoring system 300 subject to confirmation and/or modification by a system user, or may be configured manually by a system user. The reference points corresponding to the object may be compared to a database comprising reference points of known or acceptable objects. Various machine learning and/or object recognition techniques may additionally be utilized to determine if the object is a prohibited object. If no match is found in the database of known or acceptable objects, the object may be a prohibited object.

If a prohibited object is detected within the monitoring zone at step 308, computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may, at step 310, determine whether the prohibited object is in close proximity to patient 302. If the prohibited object is not in close proximity to patient 302, the computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may continue to analyze images in the monitoring zone as long as 3D motion sensor 304 continues to transmit data.

If, on the other hand, the prohibited object is within close proximity to patient 302 (or, in some embodiments, within close proximity to patient for a configurable duration of time), the computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may determine whether a caregiver 322 is detected in the room (i.e., such as by using real-time locating systems), as shown in step 312. If a caregiver 322 is detected in the room, the computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may continue to analyze images in the monitoring zone as long as 3D motion sensor 304 continues to transmit data.

If on the other hand, a caregiver 322 is not detected in the room, computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may communicate an image of the prohibited object to computerized communication system 314. Computerized communication system 314 may be configured to send an alert of the prohibited object to one or more designated recipients (e.g., caregiver(s) 322). Computerized communication system 314 may be an integral part of computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 and/or may be implemented using separate software, firmware and/or hardware, possibly physically remote from computerized communication system 314. When an alert is triggered, the alert may be sent, at least initially, to the patient 302 being monitored, to give the patient 302 being monitored an opportunity to respond before alerting the central video monitoring system 318 and/or caregiver(s) 322. For example, an audible message may be played in the room where patient 302 is being monitored, possibly asking something the visitor to, “Please move the prohibited object away from the patient.”

Shown as step 316 in FIG. 3, computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 can analyze subsequent image data from 3D motion sensor 304 for corrective action such as the prohibited object being removed from the proximity of the patient 302, or by providing an indication consistent with a yes or no answer to determine if the action will be corrected. If 3D motion sensor 304 is equipped with microphones, computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 can analyze sound data for recognizable words, such as “okay”, “yes”, “no”, or “help”.

Central video monitoring system 318 may be alerted if no response is received at step 316, or if the response is unintelligible or indicates that the prohibited object will not be moved away from the patient. Alternately, or additionally, central video monitoring system 318 may be alerted with or even before patient 302, so that central video monitoring system 318 can determine whether the prohibited object detected is, in fact, problematic. On receiving an alert, the central video monitoring system 318, or an attendant there, may view live image, video and/or audio feed from the 3D motion sensor 304, and evaluate whether the prohibited object presents a danger to the patient and/or himself. If patient 302 has been alerted by the computerized communication system 314, central video monitoring system 318 or an attendant there can use the data from 3D motion sensor 304 to evaluate whether a response from patient 302 indicates that unauthorized visitor is complying with identification requirements. Central video monitoring system 318 and/or computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 may analyze the response from patient 302 and/or the person possessing the prohibited object, however, if the response does not include words or gestures recognizable by the computerized system, an attendant at central video monitoring system 318 may be able to interpret the person's response. If needed, the central video monitoring system 318 and/or the attendant could then approve alert(s) to appropriate caregiver(s) 322 and/or call for emergency assistance (e.g., send a request for security).

One or more caregiver(s) 322 local to patient 302 can be alerted with or even before patient 302 and/or central video monitoring system 318, so that the caregiver(s) 322 can assess what is happening in person. Or, monitored patient 302, caregiver(s) 322 and the central video monitoring system 318 could all be alerted at the same time. The priority and timing of alerts to different individuals or stations can be configured in accordance with the needs and desires of a particular facility, experience with a particular monitored individual or type of patient, or any other criterion of the system owner or user. This is true for initial alerts as well as continuing alerts (e.g., if prohibited object is detected, and no response is received or observed) or repeated alerts (two or more distinct events where a prohibited object is detected). The priority and timing of alerts to different individuals may be different for initial, continuing, and/or repeated alerts.

Data associated with alerts may be logged by computerized patient monitoring and object recognition system 306 and/or central video monitoring system 318 in a database 320. Data associated with an alert may include, without limitation, the telemetry data from 3D motion sensor 304 that triggered the alert; buffered data preceding the telemetry data that triggered the alert; telemetry data subsequent to the alert; the number and substantive content of an alert; the individual(s) and/or groups to whom an alert was addressed; the response, if any, received or observed following an alert; and combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, centralized monitoring system 406 may receive data from multiple computerized monitoring and communication systems 404A, 404B, 404C. For simplicity, the computerized communication system associated with each computerized monitoring system is shown as an integrated component of the computerized monitoring system. If desired, separate computerized communication systems and/or a shared computerized communication system could be used. Computerized monitoring and communication systems 404A, 404B, 404C receive data from 3D motions sensors 402A, 402B, 402C, which are, respectively, monitoring persons 401A, 401B, 401C. Data received by the centralized monitoring system 406 from computerized monitoring and communication systems 404A, 404B, 404C may routinely be displayed on centralized monitoring primary display 408. A single primary display 408 may display data from more than computerized monitoring and communication systems 404A, 404B, 404C, shown as view 500 in FIG. 5. Alternately, primary display 408 may comprise two or more distinct screens, each of which may display data from one or more computerized monitoring systems. As shown, the display for monitored person 501C has an open configuration window 510, which is described in greater detail below.

At step 410, when the centralized monitoring system 406 receives an alert from any of the computerized monitoring and communication systems 404A, 404B, 404C, indicating that a monitored person 401A, 401B, 401C is in proximity to a prohibited object as shown in step 410, audio and/or alert information for that particular person and/or the prohibited object may be displayed on the centralized monitoring alert display 412. An alert can be presented in a variety of formats. An alert may be a visual cue on screen at the centralized monitoring system 406, such as the specific camera view flashing or being highlighted in a color to draw attention to that display among others. An alert may be an audible sound (e.g., a voice or alarm type sound) at the centralized monitoring system 406, an audible sound at the computerized monitoring and communication system attached to the 3D motion sensor, a text message, an email, turning on a light or even running a program on a computer. Should the central monitoring system 406 receive alerts from more than one of the computerized monitoring and communication systems 404A, 404B, 404C, indicating that a person 401A, 401B, 401C is in proximity to a prohibited object, the centralized monitoring alert display 412 may display the video, audio and/or alerting information from all such instances at the same time. If no alert is received by the centralized monitoring system 406, it may be that nothing is displayed on the centralized monitoring alert display 412. Preferably, all monitored individual rooms can be displayed and visible on the centralized monitoring primary display 408 whether alerting or not. When an alert is generated, attention can be drawn to the particular camera on centralized monitoring primary display 408 and/or a duplicative display of the alerting camera can be displayed on a second separate computer monitor, e.g., the centralized monitoring alert display 412.

An electronic record of any alerts received, any responses to the alert observed or received, and/or any actions taken by the centralized monitoring system 406 can be stored in a database 414.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary view for central monitoring primary display 500, including video data for multiple monitored persons 501A, 501B, and 501C displayed on a single screen. FIG. 6 shows an alternative view for central monitoring primary display 600, including image data for only monitored patient 601C. The view includes a skeletal FIG. 610, which may be identified by central video monitoring system, and used to track or “lock on” to the patient 601C. A skeletal FIG. 610 is shown in FIG. 6; however, alternate image analysis could be used, including, without limitation, blob recognition. No patient identification zones are marked in the image of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary configuration menu 700, with an option 710 for configuring a face monitoring zone, an option 720 for configuring other saved zones, and an option 730 to clear all configured zones.

FIG. 8 shows view as it might appear on selecting a menu option to configure one or more zones 810. FIG. 8 shows a patient identification zone 810 generally about the upper torso, shoulders, and head of a patient lying in a hospital bed. Patient identification zone 810 may be configured by the computerized patient monitoring system. For example, patient identification zone 810 may be defined as a fixed perimeter or volume around the head of a patient, as determined based on analysis using skeleton figure, blob recognition, and/or facial tracking. If configured by the computerized patient monitoring system, a user may be allowed to modify the system-configured patient identification zone 810, or a user may be required or allowed to manually configure the patient identification zone 810. The 3D motion sensor may collect image and/or sound data for a broader portion of a room than just the patient identification zone 810. The computerized patient monitoring system 106 may analyze only data related to the patient identification zone 810, with or without capturing images and/or sound from a broader portion of the room. This may reduce total processing capacity required, as the most processing-intensive algorithms (e.g., facial tracking, identification and tracking of reference points) are run on a limited data set. Capturing broader image data may help provide context for an alert, e.g., at central video monitoring system. For example, using image data from most or all of the room, central video monitoring system or an attendant there may determine that it is unnecessary to send an alert to a caregiver if there is already a caregiver in the room and tending to the patient being monitored at the time of an alert. A patient identification zone 810 may also help monitoring system “lock on” to a patient, and help avoid situations where a patient who is very close to the person possessing a prohibited object might be tracked after moving away from the person. If the person moves out of patient identification zone 810, but the patient being monitored does not leave patient identification zone 810, monitoring system will continue to monitor person outside of patient identification zone 810.

Using facial recognition algorithms, the computerized patient monitoring system may identify key features of the object being monitored. The features used may vary with the kind of technology (e.g., visible vs. infrared light) and/or prominent or accessible features on patient.

If patient identification zone 810 is configured by a user, the user may operate an input device to select a point on an image or video from the computerized patient monitoring station. The user may draw a perimeter defining a zone freehand, or may drag the input device (such as an electronic stylus or mouse pointer) from one point to another to define a diagonal axis for the perimeter of the zone. Other configuration options, including drag-and-drop templates and coordinate identification, could be used. A 2D monitoring zone can be operated as a perimeter, or a third dimension of depth can be specified. As with the perimeter, the computerized patient monitoring system can define or recommend a depth measurement, such as shown by label 800, or the user can provide the depth measurement, as described below.

FIG. 9 shows a pop-up menu 900 allowing a user to configure or reconfigure the depth of a patient identification zone. The exemplary pop-up menu 900 solicits a depth parameter specified in millimeters (mm); however, any desired unit of measure could be used, including, without limitation, centimeters (cm), meters (m), inches, feet, and yards.

On setting a depth parameter, and while still in a configuration view, the depth of the patient identification zone may be visible as a label 1000, as shown in FIG. 10. The depth label 1000 may not be visible during routine monitoring and/or alert monitoring, so as not to obscure the person being monitored and/or other activity in any image data from 3D motion sensor.

FIG. 11 shows another menu 1100 from configuration view. As shown in FIG. 11, a user may be permitted to turn monitoring on or off (e.g., by “unchecking” both video feed and audio feed), or to turn off video feed only, or to turn off audio feed only, if audio feed is available. It may be desirable to disable audio feed, for example, at central video monitoring system, to prevent overlapping audio feeds from becoming unintelligible noise. If voice or word recognition algorithms are used, those algorithms may run at computerized patient monitoring system even if audio feed is disabled at a monitoring station, such as central video monitoring system. On alert or as desired, the audio feed could be enabled for one or more particular persons being monitored, e.g., to provide context for an alert. It may be desirable to disable audio and/or video feed to provide some privacy to the patient corresponding to the person being monitored. For example, it may be desirable to disable audio and/or video feed while the patient is being examined by a medical professional, or bathed, or while visitors are present. The need for computerized monitoring is somewhat reduced while the patient is interacting with medical professionals, caregivers, or visitors. However, if desired, the audio and/or video feed can be maintained even when there are other others with the patient corresponding to the person being monitored.

Although patient identification zones may be configured and operational, they may not be shown outside of the configuration screens for those zones, as opposed to the view in FIG. 11. That is, the zones may be configured and operational, but not superimposed on the images of patients, so as to permit an unobstructed view of patients, e.g., at central video monitoring system or while configuring other aspects of the monitoring system.

If the Device menu in FIG. 11 is selected, the user may see a pop-up menu 1200, as shown in FIG. 12. The use of pop-up, drop down, tabular, or other kinds of menus may be recommended based on, for example, the number and kinds of options associated with a particular menu. However, different kinds of menus could be presented based on user or facility preferences. Pop-up menu 1200 includes a number of tabs, from which a tab for Alerts 1210 has been selected in FIG. 12. The space within the Alerts window 1220 is blank, indicating that no alerts have been configured. If a user selects Add button 1230 at the bottom of the Alerts tab 1210, a new pop-up menu 1300 may appear, as shown in FIG. 13.

As shown in FIG. 13, pop-up menu 1320 further includes drop-down menus to configure an alert by specifying an event 1322, an action 1324, and, if applicable, an N/A field 1326. As with the kinds of menus, the particular words used to describe an event, action, and/or NA field may be modified to reflect the environment in which the system is being used, or the facility or personnel using the system or a particular station. For example, a system, station, or user interface may be configured for use in a hospital using clinical terminology. As another example, a remote central video monitoring system may have an attendant who is not a medical professional, and lay terminology might be used in lieu of or in addition to clinical terminology. Family or other non-professional and/or non-medical caregivers may have access to the monitoring system and/or serve as an attendant for a remote monitoring station, and the menus for those users may similarly use descriptive, non-clinical terminology in addition to or in lieu of clinical terminology. Different languages could also be used for different interfaces. As shown in FIG. 13, the monitoring system may include monitoring and/or alert functions unrelated to prohibited objects, as well as the “Contraband Detected” option presented. If desired, other options may be removed from the drop-down menu to simplify user configuration choices for users who do not want or need access to the other functions. Changes to the menus, including changes to the range of menu options and the terminology used in the menus, may be configured when the system is installed or when access is provided to a specific user, and may not require or may not be available for further modification by routine system users.

On selection of an event 1322 in FIG. 13, the user may be able to select an action 1324, as shown in FIG. 14. Several of the options relate to alerts, e.g., to provide different audible signals to the 3D motion sensor and/or computerized patient monitoring system; to add or change a color border to a display of image data; to highlight or flash a display of image data; to log an alert, as in database; to send e-mail or SMS; or to provide other alerts. As shown in FIG. 14, the user has elected to highlight/flash 1420 a display of image data if event 1410 occurs, e.g., if a visitor is present.

As shown in FIG. 15, N/A field 1530 may be blank and/or inactive depending upon the event 1510 and action 1520 selected. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the option to highlight/flash an image display does not require further configuration, and so N/A field 1530 is blank and inactive, in that the user cannot input options for N/A field 1530. However, if the action was set to send an alert, for example, N/A field 1530 might become active and allow a user to designate a recipient and/or recipient group to whom the alert should be sent. If the user desires to send different kinds of alerts to different recipients or groups of recipients, multiple alerts could be configured, with each alert specifying a different action 1520 (e.g., send e-mail vs. send SMS) and/or a different recipient. As another example, the N/A field 1530 could be used to specify where to log the occurrence of an event, for example, if more than one database is available to the monitoring system, or if data for more than one monitored person is stored in the available database(s).

As shown in FIG. 16, after an alert has been configured, the configuration view 1600 may revert to alert tab 1610, now showing a brief description of configured alert 1622 in alerts window 1620. If additional alerts were configured, alerts window 1620 might display a selectable list of configured alerts, including configured alert 1622. Once configured, alerts may be edited or deleted using buttons 1630 or 1640, respectively. Edit button 1610 may re-open the configuration view shown in FIGS. 13-15, with the drop-down menus open to receive alternate selections.

FIG. 17 shows a view 1700 of image data from multiple 3D motion sensors monitoring persons 1710A, 1710B, and 1710C, as might appear on a central monitor primary display. The configuration window has been closed, providing an unobstructed view of monitored patients. Depending upon the configuration for primary display, each panel 1720, 1730, and 1740 may display live video, intermittent images (e.g., “still” shots from a video data feed) and/or audio data for monitored persons 1710A, 1710B, and 1710C, respectively.

The various computerized systems and processors as described herein may include, individually or collectively, and without limitation, a processing unit, internal system memory, and a suitable system bus for coupling various system components, including database 118, with a control server. Computerized patient monitoring system 106 and/or central video monitoring system 116 may provide control server structure and/or function. The system bus may be any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus, using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronic Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

The computerized systems typically include therein, or have access to, a variety of computer-readable media, for instance, database 118. Computer-readable media can be any available media that may be accessed by the computerized system, and includes volatile and nonvolatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may include computer-storage media and communication media. Computer-readable storage media may include, without limitation, volatile and nonvolatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. In this regard, computer-storage media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVDs) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which may be accessed by the control server. Computer-readable storage media excludes signals per se.

Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information delivery media. As used herein, the term “modulated data signal” refers to a signal that has one or more of its attributes set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above also may be included within the scope of computer-readable media. The computer-readable storage media discussed above, including database 118, provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computerized systems. Computer readable instructions embodied on computer-readable storage media may be accessible by prohibited object system 100 and/or component(s) thereof, and, when executed by a computer processor and/or server, may cause the system to function and/or perform the methods described herein.

The computerized systems may operate in a computer network using logical connections to one or more remote computers. Remote computers may be located at a variety of locations, for example, but not limited to, hospitals and other inpatient settings, veterinary environments, ambulatory settings, medical billing and financial offices, hospital administration settings, home health care environments, payer offices (e.g., insurance companies), home health care agencies, clinicians' offices and the clinician's home or the patient's own home or over the Internet. Clinicians may include, but are not limited to, a treating physician or physicians, specialists such as surgeons, radiologists, cardiologists, and oncologists, emergency medical technicians, physicians' assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, nurses' aides, pharmacists, dieticians, microbiologists, laboratory experts, laboratory technologists, genetic counselors, researchers, veterinarians, students, and the like. The remote computers may also be physically located in non-traditional medical care environments so that the entire health care community may be capable of integration on the network. The remote computers may be personal computers, servers, routers, network PCs, peer devices, other common network nodes, or the like, and may include some or all of the elements described above in relation to the control server. The devices can be personal digital assistants or other like devices.

Exemplary computer networks may include, without limitation, local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks (WANs). Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet. When utilized in a WAN networking environment, the control server may include a modem or other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, program modules or portions thereof may be stored in the control server, in the database 118, or on any of the remote computers. For example, and not by way of limitation, various application programs may reside on the memory associated with any one or more of the remote computers. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be utilized.

In operation, a user may enter commands and information into the computerized system(s) using input devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device (commonly referred to as a mouse), a trackball, a touch pad, a 3D Gesture recognition camera or motion sensor. Other input devices may include, without limitation, microphones, satellite dishes, scanners, or the like. In addition to or in lieu of a monitor, the computerized systems may include other peripheral output devices, such as speakers and a printer.

Many other internal components of the computerized system hardware are not shown because such components and their interconnection are well known. Accordingly, additional details concerning the internal construction of the computers that make up the computerized systems are not further disclosed herein.

Methods and systems of embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a WINDOWS or LINUX operating system, operating in conjunction with an Internet-based delivery system, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the described methods and systems can be implemented in any operating system suitable for supporting the disclosed processing and communications. As contemplated by the language above, the methods and systems of embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented on a stand-alone desktop, personal computer, cellular phone, smart phone, tablet computer, PDA, or any other computing device used in a healthcare environment or any of a number of other locations.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this disclosure is well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for detecting a prohibited object in a patient room, the system comprising: one or more 3D motion sensors configured to collect a series of images of a room of the patient; a computerized monitoring system communicatively coupled to the one or more 3D motion sensors, a processor of the computerized monitoring system utilizing information received from the one or more 3D motion sensors to determine if the object is a prohibited object based on limitations for the patient, wherein determining if the object is a prohibited object comprises determining a plurality of reference points related to features of the object and comparing the plurality of reference points of the object to a plurality of reference points for features of objects within a database and identifying the object as being prohibited for the patient; and a computerized monitoring system communicatively coupled to the one or more 3D motion sensors, the computerized monitoring system configured to send an initial alert to the patient being monitored, the initial alert providing the patient being monitored an opportunity to respond before an alert is sent to one or more designated recipients.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computerized communication system communicatively coupled to the computerized monitoring system, the computerized communication system configured to send the alert to one or more designated recipients if the patient being monitored does not respond to the initial alert.
 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a central monitoring station communicatively coupled to the computerized communication system, the central monitoring station configured to display at least a portion of the series of images of the person, wherein the central monitoring station comprises a primary display and an alert display.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the alert display is a dedicated portion of the primary display.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the alert display is a separate display or series of displays from the primary display.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computerized monitoring system analyzes sound data for recognizable words that indicate a response from the patient.
 7. A method for detecting prohibited objects in a patient room, the method comprising: receiving, from a 3D motion sensor, an image of an object detected in a room of a patient; determining, by a processor, that the object is a prohibited object based on limitations for the patient, wherein determining the object is a prohibited object comprises determining, utilizing information received from the 3D motion sensor, a plurality of reference points related to features of the object, comparing the plurality of reference points of the object detected in the room to a plurality of reference points related to features of objects within a database, and identifying the object as being prohibited for the patient; initiating an initial alert to the patient being monitored upon detecting the prohibited object, the initial alert providing the patient being monitored an opportunity to respond before an alert is sent to one or more designated recipients; interpreting a response from the patient to the initial alert; and based on the interpreting the response from the patient, initiating the alert to the one or more designated recipients if the response does not indicate the patient will take corrective action.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising receiving sound data indicating a response from the patient being monitored, the response comprising a verbal response by the patient.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising receiving one or more images from the 3D motion sensor indicating a response from the patient being monitored, the response comprising at least one of a physical gesture or moving the prohibited object out of a patient identification zone around the patient.
 10. The method of claim 7, further comprising, if no response is received from the patient being monitored, alerting a central monitoring station and communicating an image of the prohibited object to the central monitoring station.
 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising suppressing the initial alert if the prohibited object is in proximity to the patient for less than a configurable duration of time.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the alert communicated to the one or more designated recipients includes an image of the prohibited object.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein images of objects for a plurality of people being monitored are displayed on a primary display at a central monitoring station.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein on receiving the image of the prohibited object, displaying the image on a central monitoring station alert display.
 15. Non-transitory computer readable storage media having embodied thereon instructions which, when executed by one or more computer processors, causes the processors to: receive, from a 3D motion sensor, a series of two or more images of an object detected in a room of a patient; determine a plurality of reference points related to features of the object; compare, utilizing information received from the 3D motion sensor, the plurality of reference points of the object detected in the room to a plurality of reference points related to features of objects within a database; determine the object is a prohibited object for the patient based on limitations for the patient; and initiate an initial alert to the patient being monitored, the initial alert providing the patient being monitored an opportunity to respond before an alert is sent to one or more designated recipients.
 16. The computer-readable storage media of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more computer processors to determine the prohibited object is in proximity to the patient being monitored.
 17. The computer-readable storage media of claim 16, further comprising receiving data indicating a response from the patient being monitored, the response comprising at least one of a verbal response, a physical gesture, or moving the prohibited object out of a patient identification zone around the patient.
 18. The computer-readable storage media of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more computer processors to initiate the alert to the one or more designated recipients if no response to the initial alert is received from the patient being monitored.
 19. The computer-readable storage media of claim 18, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more computer processors to display series of images for a plurality of people being monitored on a primary display at a central monitoring station.
 20. The computer-readable storage media of claim 19, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more computer processors to alert the central monitoring station if the prohibited object is identified and, upon receiving an alert, cause the central monitoring station to duplicate the display of the series of images associated with the alert on a central monitoring station alert display. 